by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Two traditional outrigger canoes from Yap were greeted by dozens of local residents at the Hagatna Boat Basin this afternoon. Although the 22-crew member team did not have radio communication during their journey, they did make it to Guam within the anticipated four days.

The crew was also towed in during the final portion of the trip by Guam Fire Department officials. Former Yap governor and Yapese Federation of Guam advisor Robert Ruecho said, "We want to preserve our traditions and navigational skills. Most of the crewmembers in the canoe are young people and this is part of their training."

The canoes were originally scheduled to arrive last weekend in time for the Yap day celebration, but were delayed due to bad weather.